Investigating how HIV affects brain cells involved in addiction and cognitive disorders

A DUAL CHIMERIC HUMAN ASTROGLIAL-MICROGLIAL MODEL OF HIV AND HAND

NIH-funded research University of Rochester · NIH-11088236

This study is exploring how HIV affects brain cells and can lead to problems with thinking and memory, using special mice that have human brain cells to help us understand these effects better, which could eventually lead to new treatments for people living with HIV.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11088236 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the impact of HIV infection on brain cells, specifically looking at how it contributes to neurocognitive disorders associated with HIV. The study uses a unique model involving mice that have been genetically modified to contain human brain cells, allowing researchers to observe the effects of HIV in a more human-like environment. By examining the interactions between human astrocytes and microglia in the brain, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind synaptic failure and its relation to addiction and cognitive decline. This innovative approach could lead to better insights into how HIV affects the brain and potential therapeutic targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who are living with HIV and may be experiencing cognitive issues or addiction.

Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or do not have cognitive disorders related to HIV may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cognitive disorders in individuals living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on HIV's effects on the brain, this specific approach using humanized mouse models is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virusaddictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.